Engine and transmission drop- Who, where and wisdom? (West Michigan)

[trmvlsty]

Hi everyone! Long time PP customer and forum stalker, first time poster! I’ll intro myself later, so first direct to the point…

I live in West Michigan (Holland, MI) and I’m looking for someone (trustworthy) to:

Pull engine and transmission
Replace clutch and all the upgrades that go along with it (upgraded fork, slave cylinder, etc.)
Transmission should be cracked and checked for syncros or anything else as needed
Engine bay cleaned up
Misc. stuff that should be performed while engine and transmission are out
Make whole again

See attached PP list for reference of what I’m thinking.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lkv8zg0z72x0xzj/Pelican%20Parts%20Project%20List%20110913_Page_1.j pg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/21n08dfh7knyk53/Pelican%20Parts%20Project%20List%20110913_Page_2.j pg

And while we are at it, I am a gear head and have always enjoyed tinkering. I have read a lot on here and a few books as well. I think my list is complete'ish, but if anyone has ideas, thought, or other words of wisdom, I am certainly more than humble enough to listen!!

Me- I have a very demanding career which greatly limits my time. I enjoy tinkering, but this would eat into my family time way too much! I have had bad luck with finding someone local to do this work, so I am now asking my fellow PP Porsche brethren for help. I would certainly like to keep this work local, but if needed could have flat bedded to Grand Rapids, MI or Chicago, IL or crazy far if needed (worst case!).

Even more info- I have owned my 1987 911 Cab since 2005. She has around 85k miles and up until the clutch gave out, had almost no issues! lol Pic attached. I have performed a lot of work myself- replaced all the interior carpet with factory, had the seats re-wrapped, all new audio (only used for highway use of course!), new top and some hardware, CV boots and repacked bearings, and a bunch of other misc. stuff.

I look forward to hearing who is recommended and getting her back to rolling again!! Worst case, this fall/winter so she is ready for next summer, but at least I get her back on the road!!!

Thank you for reading this far... Semper Fi

Cheers,

Scott

[trmvlsty]

The wife asked me if we cannot find someone local {or somewhat local} should we have it fixed in California so we could then take a vacation to pick it up, and cruise the coast for a week? Not a bad idea.

[cabmandone]

Someone had a thread about places in Detroit on here not long ago. I know that's opposite side of the state for you so Chicago might actually be a better option but you might want to search the tech forum for the one in Detroit.

Nice car!

[trmvlsty]

Chicago and Detroit are about the same distance for us... I grew up in Detroit and for some reason tend to lean away from the area. Thank you, I'll take a look!

[kodioneill]

You take that car to Detroit you can say goodbye to it. Take it to John Walkers workshop.

[trmvlsty]

You take that car to Detroit you can say goodbye to it

Yes, it's true that Detroit is bad, but the surrounding cites are not bad...

kodioneill, John Walkers workshop is way out west! But I have heard (i.e. read) good things... I'll keep on my short list for sure.

Still hoping there is someplace closer... but when the dust settles, I don't care if I have to get her fixed on the moon dammit!

[911nut]

If you really enjoy tinkering, have a garage and tools, why not do it yourself? It's not that complex.
If you insist on having a wrench do it, I can recommend Automotive Techniques in Novi, Mi. Good shop and the owner (Jeff) is a straight shooter.

[trmvlsty]

Thank you for the reference! I appreciate it.

[Lyle O]

Originally Posted by kodioneill

You take that car to Detroit you can say goodbye to it. Take it to John Walkers workshop.

Hey, thats a cheap shot. There are lots of great 911s here, and some great shops, too. Another to consider is Gilson Motor Sports. Howard Gilson and his team are top caliber and focus almost exclusively on Porsches.

[kach22i]

About 12 years ago there was a shop and used car sales place in Holland, MI which seemed like a place to stay away from. It was near some railroad tracks, I would stay far far away from them.

They had what appeared to be a lowered black 911SC on the lot. Something looked funny around the headlight, so I ran my finger over it to feel the non-conformity and the headlight fell right off. I caught the assembly with my other hand and tried to place it back in place, but it was just messed up.

This is the place not to go, just if you were tempted, and just in case they are still there.

There are a few reputable shops in SE Michigan, will send a PM.

[trmvlsty]

Originally Posted by kach22i

About 12 years ago there was a shop and used car sales place in Holland, MI which seemed like a place to stay away from. It was near some railroad tracks, I would stay far far away from them.

They had what appeared to be a lowered black 911SC on the lot. Something looked funny around the headlight, so I ran my finger over it to feel the non-conformity and the headlight fell right off. I caught the assembly with my other hand and tried to place it back in place, but it was just messed up.

This is the place not to go, just if you were tempted, and just in case they are still there

They are no longer around, sounds like a good thing though!

[trmvlsty]

Hey all...

I appreciate the recommendations. I will let everyone know where I go and how it goes!

[porterdog]

Originally Posted by kodioneill

You take that car to Detroit you can say goodbye to it. Take it to John Walkers workshop.

Utter horsesh it.

OP, check forum member CGarr who runs a shop in GR and is a frequent contributor to the engine rebuilding forum.

[trmvlsty]

Originally Posted by porterdog

Utter horsesh it.

OP, check forum member CGarr who runs a shop in GR and is a frequent contributor to the engine rebuilding forum.

Horse $hit! Yes, some folks are just scared of the word Detroit. I grew up in Farmington Hills and have a lot of family there, certainly a struggling city [Detroit], but not as scary as the news makes it out to be.

thank you for the GR shop recommendation, I'll look into it.

Cheers

[Driven97]

I got married right next to the Detroit river. Nobody at my wedding got shot or robbed.

[Henry hill]

Mazuro Motors in Warren. Mark did a great job for me!

[TheSt|G]

Quote de porterdog

Utter horsesh it.



OP, check forum member CGarr who runs a shop in GR and is a frequent contributor to the engine rebuilding forum.

Horse $hit! Yes, some folks are just scared of the word Detroit. I grew up in Farmington Hills and have a lot of family there, certainly a struggling city [Detroit], but not as scary as the news makes it out to be.



thank you for the GR shop recommendation, I'll look into it.



Cheers

The city looks like a cross between a war zone and nuclear wasteland.

[vesnyder]

Scott - Last Winter my Cab motor needed similar (work outside of the transmission). I plunged in and dropped the motor myself - I have a innate distrust of mechanics. I learned a ton and took my time and it worked out well. I can certainly appreciate the demanding job and having a convertible in Michigan - and now is the time of year to take advantage of the drop top.

Good luck!

[porterdog]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

The city looks like a cross between a war zone and nuclear wasteland.

Like anyplace it has both it's challenges and charms.

[motogman]

PM me if you want the name of a great Porsche guy in Ann Arbor. Besides your wife would live an evening in AA.